Book Study #4: Searching for and Maintaining Peace

This is the fourth episode of a six part book study over "Searching for and Maintaining Peace" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. I am joined by Katie Novitsky and Stefani Blackwell, and we go over chapters 7-12 in part 2 of the book.

Part 2 details reasons why we lose our peace and how we can combat those reasons. We discuss how comparison is at odds with our peace as we inevitably focus on our lacking. We are reminded that God will never leave us without what is necessary for our salvation and that we can trust in His providence always. We also consider how those in our lives affect our own lives and how that can interfere with peace. When someone around us suffers, God helps us to respond with TRUE compassion and with patience for any imperfections we find in others.

Join us next week for episode 5, where we will discuss part 2, chapters 13-18.

Episode schedule:

January 21st - preface, pt 1: ch 1-3

January 28th - pt. 1: ch 4-7

February 4th - pt. 2, ch 1-6

February 11th - pt. 2, ch 7-12

February 18th - pt. 2, ch 13-18

February 25th - pt. 3

Discussion Questions:

1. How was your week? Was there anything from last week's discussion that stayed with you throughout the week?

2. Share one quote from this section that was especially meaningful to you. 

3. What role do you find comparison playing in your peace? Are you more likely to compare yourself to others or to another version of you (your past self, or who you hoped to be)?

4. Does social media affect your peace in a positive or a negative way? 

5. Where has something negative in your life brought out something good?

6. As mothers, we can often take on the sufferings of others and feel them as our own. Share about a time when the suffering of a loved one has made you lose your peace. How did God work through that time?

7. Can you remember a time of your own suffering when someone showed you true compassion? Share about what they did and how it affected you.

8. On pg. 55, Fr. Jacques says, God “puts up with [an imperfect person] as he is! He waits, with patience… I must do likewise. I must pray and be patient. Why be more demanding and impatient than God?” Is there anyone in your life who tests your patience? How can you see them more from God’s perspective?